Topic: engine paint

[tlbranth]

Just about to prep and paint my CB750 engine - cases, barrels and head. Any recommendations on which paint to use?

[jaytee-nz]

I've used Duplicolor with the ceramic in it and found it goes on easily and is durable. Best thing about it is that you don't need to heat the cases afterwards to cure it.

[Kevnz]

Just as a matter of interest, which parts of the motor are painted? Obviously not the polished bits, but are head and barrel painted or left natural alloy? I know rocker cover is, ditto main cases. I painted my 500 cases years ago, someone suggested mag wheel paint. Over the years, leaky carbs have taken their toll, don't want to have the same problem with my 550.
BTW, I just noticed an old post about whether 550's came out in Freedom Green. I've just stripped the original tank on mine and FG was indeed the original colour.  FYI, the side cover badges are of the same style as the 500, not the more ornate ones that seem to have been fitted to the US models.

[jlh3rd]

1974 550 KO.....U.S. import...freedom green metallic.....honda identification guide.

[BenelliSEI]

In Canada, I buy a Dupli-Color Engine Enamel. Can is marked “CDE1615 Aluminum”. Not a perfect match, but very, very close! They also make matching primers, that I have used. Engines smoke off a bit the first few cycles, but then it becomes very durable and long lasting. Like anything else you paint, the devil is in the detail. Takes a few minutes to paint, days to prep it......

[pjlogue]

I have used this:  https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-ceramic-engine-paint-universal-aluminum-quart.html   on two engines.  The color is almost identical to original case paint.  (I can't tell the difference)  I use it with the activator and dilute with 10% Xylene.   The finish is very durable and withstands hot gas and solvents under normal use.  I made sure my cases were very clean and gave a wipe down with Acetone to remove any trace of oils.  Going on it will look like it has patterns in the metallic but upon curing the patterns disappear unless you really glob it on (have slumps)  It dries to the touch in about 3 hrs and can be handled after 5 hrs.

-P.

[Stev-o]

I buy a Dupli-Color Engine Enamel. Can is marked “CDE1615 Aluminum”.

+1....this works fine.

[tlbranth]

I did paint my oil pan and oil filter cover a few years back and they held up well but I didn't write down what I used. I'm going to paint the whole engine semi-gloss black. Does the Duplicolor hold up OK on the head and cylinder block?

[BenelliSEI]

Yes.....  cleaned everything really well. It’s lasted for years!

[jaytee-nz]

Been on my entire engine for 4 years and still looks great.
As with any painting though, preparation is the key so you need remove all oil, grease etc. beforehand.
I used lots of degreaser and then put the cases in our dishwasher through a couple of cycles (while the wife was away of course).

[scrambler]

Been on my entire engine for 4 years and still looks great.
As with any painting though, preparation is the key so you need remove all oil, grease etc. beforehand.
I used lots of degreaser and then put the cases in our dishwasher through a couple of cycles (while the wife was away of course).

I think I used the same engine paint on my Yamaha and it was durable and nice for long, however, once when the float valve got stuck open the gas washed it off ... So for the CB I had it powdercoated, that`s fuel resistant for sure.

[jaytee-nz]

I've spilled gas on my paint and it didn't wash off - wonder if the ceramic in it helps ?

[PeWe]

My CB750's got Motip engine paint, rattle can color aluminium. Color very close to Honda. 
I could not see a difference compared with starter compartment I did not paint.

It withstand fuel very well. I have done some carb jobs on my K6.

Easy to repair under the carbs that got scastches. Cleaned with acetone, covered carbs, side covers with tissues and sprayed a little and surface back in nice shape again.

This paint is not that thick and it will look like a stock engine with the structure shining thru. 2k painted cases I have seen look like engine has been dipped in paint. Not as Honda delivered them.

[Shtonecb500]

I used Duplicolor enamel, whichever color you like. Then I used 2k clear coat.

[scrambler]

I've spilled gas on my paint and it didn't wash off - wonder if the ceramic in it helps ?

I dunno, didn`t work out for me. I used clear coat on it though. Off topic, how`s your TX?

[jaytee-nz]

I've spilled gas on my paint and it didn't wash off - wonder if the ceramic in it helps ?

I dunno, didn`t work out for me. I used clear coat on it though. Off topic, how`s your TX?

Well after getting it run well, it still leaked oil out of many of the new seals, so I sold it. Actually made a few thousand bucks so in the end I was happy.

[scrambler]

I've spilled gas on my paint and it didn't wash off - wonder if the ceramic in it helps ?

I dunno, didn`t work out for me. I used clear coat on it though. Off topic, how`s your TX?

Well after getting it run well, it still leaked oil out of many of the new seals, so I sold it. Actually made a few thousand bucks so in the end I was happy.

Yeah, sounds familiar, I`m still struggling with those leaks, they have to end at some point. Yours looked awesome, no surprise you could sell it with profit.